There’s a Commonwealth Games anthem. There’s also a Commonwealth Games song. The first is being released by the CWG organising committee, the second by the government of Delhi. Confused? Most people are.
On Wednesday, Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit unveiled a branding exercise for the Games. Titled ‘Delhi Celebrates’, the cultural extravaganza will have its very own logo and anthem song: Dilli meri jaan, Dilli meri shaan by singer Palash Sen of the band, Euphoria. Meanwhile, Oscar-winning music director, AR Rahman has composed as well as sang the official anthem of CWG titled Swagatham, which, with barely a month to go for the Games, is yet to be released.
Ours is better
But do we really need two songs? As if almost setting up a competition, Rina Ray, culture secretary, Delhi Government says that the Delhi Government song has a longer shelf life than Rahman’s song.
“The lyrics for Dilli Meri Jaan are in Hindi, unlike those in the anthem, since we got a feedback that Delhiites want an ‘all Hindi’ song. This song has a longer life as will continue even after the Games are over,” she says. Chairman of CWG Organising Committee, Suresh Kalmadi, says, “The AR Rahman song is the official theme song of the Games. It is beautiful.”
Rahman wants to stay away from any comparisons. “It’s all a part of the government’s initiative and I am cool with it. They can involve any artistes of their choice. I’m just honoured to be one of them”, said Rahman, who has reportedly been paid R 5 crore for composing the anthem. Palash, meanwhile, says “The more the merrier. But, Rahman’s song is for the opening ceremony only, while mine is for the Games and will be the Delhi theme song for later as well. I haven’t charged for the song, but I hope the Delhi government pays me eventually.”
{{/usCountry}}Rahman wants to stay away from any comparisons. “It’s all a part of the government’s initiative and I am cool with it. They can involve any artistes of their choice. I’m just honoured to be one of them”, said Rahman, who has reportedly been paid R 5 crore for composing the anthem. Palash, meanwhile, says “The more the merrier. But, Rahman’s song is for the opening ceremony only, while mine is for the Games and will be the Delhi theme song for later as well. I haven’t charged for the song, but I hope the Delhi government pays me eventually.”
{{/usCountry}}Utterly confusing
Delhiites aren’t amused at having multiple Games songs. “It will just create confusion, and people will end up playing favourites. Can’t we stand united for once?” says Anubhooti Sharma, a BPO employee. “Why are they wasting money on making so many songs?” says Megha Monga Sareen, a student.
In the wake of Waka Waka
Having two songs vying for attention during international sporting events hasn’t worked internationally. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, pop icon Shakira’s Waka Waka and K’Naan’s Wavin Flag had a clash of sorts when people couldn’t make up their minds about which was the official anthem.
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